The first part of GROM to reach Lithuanian Armed Forces

2014.12.22

At the end of December the first short-range MANPADs GROM shipment reached the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lithuania has procured from the Polish company MESKO S.A.

"We are pleased that Lithuanian Armed Forces’ modernisation is progressing well. Short-range MANPADs GROM will meet the urgent operational needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and will particularly reinforce the defence of the Lithuanian Armed Forces units and objects from air attacks. Procurement of the short-range MANPADS is one of the top priorities in equipping the Lithuanian Armed Forces," Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas says.

The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence contracted on buying the GROM short-range MANPADS for the Lithuanian Armed Forces with MESKO S.A., a Polish company, in September earlier this year. According to the procurement agreement, the Lithuanian Armed Forces will buy GROM launchers, missiles, maintenance equipment, field trainers, and simulators, including a logistic package, for the total of EUR 34.041 m.

The GROM MANPADs are bought from the earlier programmed LTL 130 million that has been committed additionally for national defence this year. The first instalment this year will amount to EUR 4.8 million. The project is expected to be completed by 2021.

Photos : Ieva Budzeikaite (Lithuanian MOD)

The GROM may be operated by small-sized tactical units deployed at a distance or separately from larger units; the procured GROM MANPADS will be used for equipping units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces that carry out that function.

The GROM is the third kind of missile air defence system in the Lithuanian Armed Force. It will complement the Raytheon FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS launchers and 21 Saab RBS 70. The capacity of the new equipment will enhance defence of the Lithuanian Armed Forces units against air attacks and reconnaissance missions from low-altitude flying aircraft and UAV’s.

In early December several Lithuanian soldiers went to the Polish Air Force training base in Koszaline for a week of training to operate the system. Later they will pass their knowledge to other Lithuanian soldiers, who will operate this anti-aircraft defence system.